LSGM Based Composite Cathodes for Anode Supported, Intermediate Temperature (600-800 degrees C) Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC)

70437 Lowering the operating temperature of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) to 600¿C would have important benefits including higher efficiency; the use of lower-cost metallic materials, for instance, the use of stainless steel as opposed to expensive superalloys for interconnects; and lower operating and engineering costs, since lower temperatures require less thermal insulation and heat management. This project will develop porous-anode supported SOFCs using Sr and Mg doped LaGoO3 (LSGM) based composite cathodes. Operation at lower temperatures would be possible because the anode supported SOFCs allow for thin film electrolytes (~ 5 microns); LSGM has high oxide ionic conductivity (higher than zirconia); and composite cathodes reduce the overpotential at the cathode. In Phase I, electrocatalysts will be selected and synthesized for use in composite cathodes consisting of LSGM and the electrocatalyst. Single cell porous-anode supported SOFCs with thin film YSZ electrolytes and composite cathodes will be constructed and electrochemically tested at low temperatures. Fabrication and testing of a four-cell planar internally manifolded SOFC stack will be conducted with cells containing LSGM based composite cathodes. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) capable of operating at intermediate temperatures (600¿C) should have numerous applications in distributed, residential, automotive, and portable power as a device that can operate on hydrocarbon fuels at high efficiency with negligible pollution